4 Day Mandali Experience

The 4 Day Mandali Experience is a wellness retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area of Italy. It is the centre's signature in-house programme, made for anyone who wants to step away from daily demands, rest, and reconnect with themselves. Guided by the centre's resident teachers, it blends meditation, yoga and Qigong, breathwork, nature walks and periods of silence, and it is held in English.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for four days and three nights, and the structure is deliberately loose. You are invited to take part in as much or as little of the programme as you wish, and to find your own pace. Rise for an early class, or sleep in and have a quiet, unhurried breakfast.

The programme includes:

- Guided meditation twice daily
- Yoga and/or Qigong twice daily (Qigong is offered only when the schedule given on arrival says so)
- Periods of silence
- Guided nature walks
- An evening of dance
- A Breathwork Journey
- Open themed sessions led by the teachers, each drawing on a teacher's speciality

On the first afternoon, an opening circle lets you meet the other participants and teachers, learn how the programme works and hear about the surroundings. A typical day begins with morning meditation at 07:45, followed by breakfast, a guided nature walk from 09:30 to 11:30, and a yoga or Qigong practice before lunch at 13:00. The afternoon is open until a themed workshop at 16:00, then a second yoga or Qigong class at 17:30, dinner at 19:00 and an evening meditation at 20:30. On the last morning there is an early movement practice, breakfast, and a closing circle with meditation before lunch and a 14:00 departure.

Guests who have stayed describe the quiet as the heart of it: calming a busy mind, listening to an inner voice, and letting go of layers.

The Setting

Mandali Retreat Center has scenic hiking trails, magical permaculture gardens, contemplative outdoor nooks and peaceful practice rooms, with yoga and meditation props provided. Rooms are cosy, and several have a veranda that suits quiet meditation. The front desk can suggest trails and points of interest if you want to plan a gentle walk of your own.

The Body Care Centre is open to guests and has a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The hot tub overlooks the lake. Massages and therapies are available there at an extra cost.

Meals are vegetarian and freshly prepared, three a day, with tea and fruit available through the day.

Before You Go

The retreat is lovingly curated for everybody, and the programme is taught in English. Check-in is at 14:00, and the first session begins in the afternoon.

Included are three nights of accommodation, all meals with tea time and snacks, four daily classes of meditation and movement, the daily themed sessions, the welcoming and closing meetings, and use of the Body Care Centre facilities.

Not included are flights to and from Malpensa International Airport, transfers to and from the centre, and massages or therapies at the Body Care Centre. You will need to arrange your own travel from the airport.